Blackhawks assign Luke Johnson to AHL

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY SportsThe Blackhawks assigned forward Luke Johnson to the AHL on Thursday to create a roster spot for star goaltender Corey Crawford, who was activated off injured reserve.

Johnson recorded two shots and was 38.46 on faceoffs, but did not log a point in three games with Chicago. The 24-year-old averaged about 9 minutes per game on the Blackhawks’ fourth line.

Johnson, a 2013 fifth-round draft pick, tallied 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 73 regular-season games for the Rockford IceHogs last season. He added four goals and four assists in 13 Calder Cup playoff games. After a strong second AHL season, Johnson improved his nutrition and lost more than 15 pounds in the…